He spent 11 years as a sheet metal worker making films in his spare time before deciding to give up the job, enrol on a media production course at Coventry University and take the first step to becoming a full time movie maker.

He said: “Making Citizen is the culmination of a lifelong dream for me. It’s been hard work and I’ve made a lot of sacrifices but it’s all been worthwhile.

“Getting your work out there is a challenge for any up and coming film maker. Cinema’s a hugely competitive arena and of course it’s a visual medium so it’s obviously important that as many people as possible see your work.

“So with Citizen now available online and having been picked up by My Channel on Sky I’m hopeful the film will develop a new following.”

Dale and three others run their own company Blue Ridge Films doing wedding videos and corporate work along with preparing for the next science fiction short film.